About the Singapura

Singapura is the Malaysian word for Singapore. The streets
of Singapore are the origin of this breed. They are nature’s
combination of both the ticked coat pattern and the dark
brown color, both of which are indigenous to South East Asia.

The breed was brought into the U.S. in the early 1970s
by Hal and Tommy Meadow, expatriates moving home.
Early Singapura breeders quickly went to work to establish
purebred characteristics such as breeding true, uniformity
of appearance, and above all, health and disposition. This
careful development of the breed has led to small numbers
of diversified pedigreed cats but one that is widely desired
and accepted. Today the breed is worldwide and recognized
by most registration associations. In CFA, Singapuras were
accepted for registration in 1982 and for championship
competition in 1988.

The Singapura’s disposition is that of a “pesky people cat,”
an extroverted, curious, playful but nondestructive cat
that insists on helping you with everything. They are very
intelligent and interactive with people and remain so even
into old age. Disposition is one of their most endearing
attributes. If you want a cat geared to “four on the floor,”
don’t consider owning a Singapura.

The Singapura is a smaller than average, shorthaired cat with
noticeably large eyes and ears. On first impression, you might
think you were looking at some new color of Abyssinian. The
pattern is nearly the same but on closer inspection you will
note that the only other similarity is the large ears, everything
else is different. The light beige coloring is unique and
thought by some to be similar to cougars. The tail is normal
length, the feet are very small, and the body is smaller, of a
medium length and should be muscular. Eyes may be hazel,
green or yellow but mature eye color is not predicable in
kittens. Many veterinarians seeing a Singapura for the first
time are apt to think something might be wrong with the
kitten since it is so small. The Singapura is slow to develop
and will not attain its full size until about 15 to 24 months of
age. There isn’t much difference in size between mature males
and females, females weighing approximately 5 to 6 pounds
and males 6 to 8 pounds.

A pet quality cat will usually have cosmetic faults that make
it unsuitable for showing or breeding. Some of the most
common faults are head length (too long), eyes too close
together, visible or non-visible tail faults, lack of complete
nose-liner (the dark line around the nose leather), and
markings on the outside of the front legs which should be
clear of any markings. Additionally, only a limited number
of male cats can be used in the breeding programs so only
the best male kittens are retained for breeding. Regardless of
the reason for a Singapura to be offered as a pet, you will
find this cat’s intelligence, playfulness and unique appearance
captivating from the first time you meet one.

Pricing on Singapuras usually depends on type, applicable
markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion
(GC), National Regional winning parentage (NW or RW)
or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title
is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA
grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire
(father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/
premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens
available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After
twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and
developed the physical and social stability needed for a
new environment, showing, or being transported by air.
Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying
and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts)
for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of
declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements
for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life. For more information, please contact the Breed Council Secretary for this breed.